AM Options has introduced {that a} fast-moving client items (FMCG) firm’s R&D facility has adopted its S1 automated post-processing system to spice up its additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities. This highlights the corporate’s dedication to innovation and effectivity all through the product improvement course of.
The FMCG firm will reveal the potential worth that may be discovered on the early phases of the event cycle, the place speedy prototyping is essential in shaping future merchandise. To date, the S1 system is making a major distinction within the day-to-day operation of the lab.
“We’re utilizing additive manufacturing to create correct, high-quality prototypes that assist early-stage market analysis and assist deliver downstream groups (resembling tooling) into the event course of a lot earlier,” stated a Spokesperson for the FMCG firm. “However whereas the printing course of was streamlined, post-processing was nonetheless a bottleneck. The S1 has utterly modified that.”
Drawbacks of the previous, handbook course of
Earlier than this funding, the corporate relied on handbook bead blasting utilizing glass media. This course of takes round 4 hours per day, requires vital operator involvement, and generates mud, which impacts the working atmosphere. Moreover, this methodology may affect the end high quality.
“It wasn’t simply in regards to the time spent every day (although saving 300 hours a 12 months is not any small factor), it was additionally about consistency, security, and liberating up our workforce to concentrate on the extra inventive, high-value elements of R&D,” the Spokesperson continues. “The S1 offers us a completely enclosed, automated course of that handles each cleansing and floor ending in a single go, saving area and delivering repeatable outcomes.”
How the S1 system aids the corporate
The two-in-1 performance of the S1 is essential within the FMCG firm’s provider analysis course of. Competing methods want two separate machines, one for cleansing and the opposite for floor ending. Needing two machines locations a larger burden on area and workflow complexity. The compact footprint of the S1 is a transparent benefit. Moreover, the 2-in-1 nature of the system ensures each processes can happen concurrently.
“The opposite options we reviewed required extra space and didn’t obtain the identical end high quality,” stated the Spokesperson. “The S1 has streamlined our complete course of, and since it’s clear and enclosed, it’s improved the general lab atmosphere as properly.”
The assist supplied by the AM Options workforce is one other key profit obtainable to the FMCG firm. Recognized for his or her ending applied sciences experience, the workforce can work intently with the adaptor to fine-tune course of parameters and choose the mix of media and compound to make sure consistency.
“What actually set AM Options aside was their data and willingness to have interaction with our particular wants,” concluded the Spokesperson. “They didn’t simply promote us a machine; they helped us construct a ending resolution that works for our elements, our supplies, and our workflow. That type of experience is uncommon.”